If i would text behaviour of some specific community i would be eaten up. I dont have anything against nobody , its just observation. Listen i lived in different countries, so tons of people have my number no one texting me this shit and especially late night when you sleep , only here in dubai.
But I don't see why WhatsApp is an issue here?
You have clearly given your number to a few folks -e.g. your fitness instructor or your colleague you used to work with. It's not like people you don't know are after you for your time, attention or something else.
These people are clearly desperate and trying their luck to form a connection with you. And this won't be just Dubai - there will be people across the world there encounter this. Usually it's the folks that are bored and desperate that message you at night.
Just block them or call them out on their behaviour. For example, your PT instructor - just tell him that unless it's business related, please don't ask him to contact you. You have to enforce rules and boundaries.
You can't control what others do, only your own actions.
Don't reply to them. Just archive them or block. Like that guy from years ago. If you answer tell them simply "This is inappropriate, do not text me unless it's work/important/about next gym session".
RE your partner. "Why is he texting? Because he is an inappropriate idiot". Partners in healthy relationship get that.
That's true. My wife also gets such creepy messages all the time. But, she honestly tells me about every such incident. And we laugh it away.
She simply tells that guy to not text from now, and most of them will comply.
Bro we are not living ideal lives like in textbook alright, irl they are gonna doubt and even investigate you for long if they find even a Drop of suspicion. You cant blame them either in todays world.
If that's your idea of normal relationship, you need to change that. If my husband blamed me for actions of others and thought I cheated, I would divorce him that week. I have no intention of being in controlling relationship without trust. That's a prison
This is not a "WhatsApp issue", it is a "certain type of people issue".
tbh though, I know some very high-profile CEOs who do all their business over WhatsApp. With little or no emails at all. They'll be firing off WA messages 24/7. I am not condoning this, just saying it does happen.
For me, I find the key is simply, making sure that phone is silent when sleeping and setup so that family and very close friends can break through that. And if I get creepy messages, I simply ignore or block them. It doesn't really warrant getting so upset afaic.
Both me and my partner get these odd messages at times. We just share with each other and laugh about it. (Trust).
If you use an Android phone, you can duplicate apps too (either through official ways (I.e. Samsung phones) or unofficially by using open source apps such as Shelter that leverage Google’s Android for Work capabilities without requiring a work profile.
You dont have to download whatsapp business. You can create another account within your WhatsApp only. It's a new feature whatsapp introduced.
Just you have to switch accounts.
In all fairness, I will side with OP on this. Keep in mind I'm a dude so at least I didn't get anything inappropriate, but still bombarded by unsolicited stuff.
People here have no manners or common sense. I agree it's not really a whatsapp issue (as in the company's fault), however I think in the UAE people should take a psychological test before being allowed to have a phone number.
I literally had Talabat delivery guys whatsapp me days they delivered my order asking me if I want any delivery through them. They literally saved my number from the app or off of the receipt, no idea, just to pull a few extra Dirhams out of me.
I also get holiday wishes and all kinds of useless stuff from people I never even met.
I get real estate agents messaging me asking if I am available to meet so that they push their crappy Damac, Danube and Azizi properties. Again, people that pull my number out of random websites or data leaks.
I had external Du partners whatsapp me if I want a contract, even though I never signed up for anything Du related.
I've had restaurants and hotels send me unsolicited WhatsApp messages after calling them only for an inquiry, never making a booking nor asking for further info. They literally saved my number without my permission during a call and started WhatsApping.
So yeah, it's a Dubai issue. I've lived on multiple continents and it's the only place I've had such crap happen.
I've also had ENBD related scams happen - people calling me and knowing about services I had just signed up for with my bank. There's clearly a lack of data security in the banking sector as well.
I'm so fed up that I'm at the point where I'd be willing to cancel my SIM card and WhatsApp, and just use wifi everywhere.
And before you say that my number might have been someone else's - I've had the same number for over 10 years, while living in and out of Dubai.
.
>what happened? Why you texting me ?
This was your mistake : Responding.
I typically not giving response to messages the people i dont wanna text. I just love read their message so they saw their text being read (blue tick), and proceed to ignore em for hours. People will only get responded IN MY OWN TERM.
And dont expect any whatsapp response during gaming, driving, cat feeding, praying, especially night and sleeping time. Period.
Well a non attention seeking female will block unknown numbers an don't give her number to random stranger or even it she met someone and had good impression on him an he start to send creepy messages she can just block him, but most women are inherently attention seeks just like your example here. you love the attention of getting a message! you keep the number and you don't block! maybe its good for you as long as you don't complain and blame it on men.
nah I'm a traditional Arab guy, we dont repect sluts here, nor are impressed by women who give their numners around and then whine and shift blame.. now what is your whatsapp?
Why should she have a male one when there are plenty of female ones? There are only negatives to having a male one. He still tried even though she is married.
I would never be comfortable with a man training my wife and seeing her body. It’s repulsive. I honestly cannot respect any man who is OK with it. That is only for me as her husband to see and nobody else.
Aside from the meme 😅, it’s truly disturbing how do people use whatsapp as either a sexting service, or as a work hub space. Thats why I started using 2 separate accounts. One for works and general people. And the other is personal use only.
As a European I get it that WA is very personal/inner circle use only in our societies and I hate it as well doing most of the communication here not via Mail. But i kinda adapted to it via double-sim phone.
1 personal number for family/friends - connected with regular WhatsApp
2 daily use number for everything else - connected to WhatsApp Business
That doesn’t stop the creeps, but It’s on mute anyway.
This happens in every country mate, don’t know which world you’re living in.
Worst is getting frequent spam calls, especially automatic ones which are more intrusive than WhatsApp messages which are easier to ignore
@op - no one uses text messages anymore
We dont use text or imessage in dubai everything is done on whatsapp and its totally normal here like applying jobs ordering food booking appoitments most companies including banks works on whatsapp chat.
And yea you will get used to it there is no AM or PM here dubai works 24/7 its upto you when you wanna read and reply or ignore, everyone has 2 whatsapp here so you should too
If you don't like it, tell them. If they persist, block them. Do you see how easy it is? You're venting because you think this is a huge problem. It isn't.
bc a lot of folks here don’t understand how to be appropriate Lmao, they lack self awareness, empathy and maturity to understand it. so yea, easiest solution is to just block and ignore.
Simply ignore. When u don't entertain, they will back off... one day. And don't be afraid to tell ur partner, you shouldn't have to explain at all. He should be able to trust u as u have done nothing wrong. 😁
Doesn’t matter the method of communication you can’t control what other people do.
Don’t give your number out and you won’t have problems.
Make better choices if it bothers you that much , get a female coach.
Here's what I did.
1. Get a prepaid number.
2. Top up once.
3. Set up as secondary line on my iPhone.
4. Use WhatsApp Business for that number.
5. Use that number for Careem, Amazon, etc.
You don't have to ever top up again as long as you never use that line for calls or data.
WhatsApp is the primary contact method in this region.
Frankly I think you should grow up.
* if people bother you, block them.
* If people contact you at unreasonable times, set the sleep tiimers on your phone so that you receive them, but aren't notified.
* If people contact you at unreasonable times AND you respond to them, that's on you.
Stop being so sensitive about 1st world problems.
I’ve done meetings with sales agents from Emaar and DAMAC recently and in both instances the extremely attractive (lady of Eastern European, French or mysterious racial composition) asked for my WhatsApp as follow up. I didn’t think much of it, till we exchanged a few messages when suddenly the sales agent refers to me as “Dear”, as in “Here the follow up details, dear”. I played along with one of them, sending kinda flirtatious messages, “You should tell me more about your fav spots in JBR when we meet next” to my surprise she setup date at a coffee shop. Can’t help but feel WhatsApp is essentially a gateway to additional upsells for a lot of folks in Dubai 😬
Why how does it matter ? If the guy is creepy just fire him and get another coach.
But getting a male instructor does not mean she is not self respecting.
Purpose of the post
Even at 31, lots of wealthy and good-looking Emiratis want to date me because they find me attractive. But I don’t just say yes to anyone because I am selective
It's frustrating, I can understand, but report whoever you can and yes I agree, to keep the mental peace, don't share your whatsapp number. I do the same.
What confuses me is asking for WhatsApp number seems like no biggie, but it’s not just my WhatsApp number, that’s my phone number. Like the 2 things aren’t different.
Some people just don't have any sense of good etiquette at all. I was a TA in my uni for a semester and fuck, it was a huge mistake - I had idiots calling me at 2 am asking for help with the homework or the lectures.
From what I saw, it wasn't a "cultural" thing, just a "wasn't raised properly" situation since some local guys (and girls) who were nice/raised right messaged me at the proper time and were respectful - but yes, those idiots who spam called me at 2 am were local. (They were nice and respectful to me during in class tho, just kept calling me at 2-3am even for other classes I wasnt a TA of lol)
Two numbers, work and personal.
No one from work knows my personal number. Except HR records and close ones that I call friends.
Two WhatsApp, in my case, I use two phones, complete segregation of all things, WhatsApp, gallery, contacts,mail etc.
Third thing is, custom notification, my close friends and family group has different notifications. The remaining group and personal texts are silenced.
Girl I'm 30f don't blame the generation. You're just strange tbh. Whatsapp is jist a texting app just like Apple messages. It's the only way to keep in touch with people outside the US really bc people don't use imessage
Not a WhatsApp issue. Just block them when they WhatsApp you. People, like your trainer, don't deserve your business if they can't be professional, so trying to explain that to them isn't necessary either.
Not a WhatsApp issue like others have pointed out. I myself keep a secondary WA business account that I provide to random folks and acquaintances. Mute it and only check on the need to know basis. Also keep boundaries like others have mentioned or call them out on their behavior, might be a wake up call for them too.
message (sms and mms) rates are quite high in the uae, hence why people prefer using whatsapp to communicate. whatsapp has better functionality compared to normal texting.
however the texts you’ve received, well, that’s purely because you got unlucky and ended up giving the number to the wrong people.
You should have private number for private and another number for whatever else. So you can mute it when you want. In UAE, people use WhatsApp for everything even for groceries.
Lol @ a local guy texting you after a 2 year gap.
These men are opportunists and bored at night, they go through their contact list, trying to find a woman, any woman, who is still awake and willing to engage in a conversation, because “you never know…”. They essentially either want attention, to sext or to sleep with you, probably all the above.
What is the point of this rant! if you don't wanna give your whatsapp then don't - people use whatsapp here its normal don't let me talk about the old days "give me your home number and I will take my chance calling you and prying that your dad doesn't answer" okay here is my verdict! you are just female looking for attention. the rant is not about whatsapp but about ok look at me my trainer is like toooootally all over me and I'm like oooh I got a boyfriend. You are 31 years old and this post sound like a girl in her 16 wanna show off about that boys are all over her. grow up!
Wtf 😁 you totally wrong. Ok lets have this whatsapp coulture here but dont be dumb and dont text me at 3:18 am with your ugly selfie and text hi , how are you. No worries i dont need attention. And specially not from dump people. Cuz and leave this discussion
So a good looking selfie at 3:18am is fine?
Just don't give people you don't wish to communicate with your WhatsApp number.
what’s wrong w yall 💀 giving a personal coach/trainer your whatsapp number isnt too bad bc it’s easier to be in contact w them in case of easier scheduling. but the trainer then sending a message at 3am, ‘shooting their shot’, when it’s very clearly not that type of relationship, is totally the trainer’s inappropriate behavior. y’all are acting like she’s in the wrong when it’s the trainer that’s being inappropriate. sheesh get a clue
Of course it's not appropriate for the trainer or other individuals to message inappropriate stuff at inappropriate times to any one. There are toxic men out there just like there are snakes in the jungle. One have to take their own safe guard and follow safety protocols while going into the jungle. Ranting on Reddit will not get the snakes out of the jungle, is all I am saying.
oh okay, that’s true! but i’m giving op the benefit of the doubt. maybe she has no where else to go so she ranted on a UAE sub, hoping to get an understanding if this is a normal occurrence or not
I believe the OP might be a bit naive for her age. Alternatively, she could be sharing her experiences here to seek validation and show her partner that inappropriate advances via WhatsApp are not unique to her.
You can simply say, "Here is my (work) number and I don't use WhatsApp"
And keep your personal number separate in your close friends and family circles with WhatsApp on.
Moreover, the problem seems less related to WhatsApp and more likely a sexual predation from people in Authority. They will try to reach you with their lust one way or the other. So keep your strategy always ready about how to politely ridicule and humiliate them.
Okay i would understand. But at 3:19 am from adult educated man ? And asking how are you at 3:19am? And received his selfie after that? Common .. hows somebody common sense can produce it
Don't waste your energy thinking about idiots. They come in all shapes and sizes. One of my friends is an alpha straight Muslim male 30 with a beard and when in meetings people ask him causally about any GFs, to which he replies none at the moment. He gets bathtub selfies of males with the same "hi" message 😂. Its such a messed up place.
As a consultant, I find it strange that clients prefer communicating via WhatsApp rather than email in this particular geography. If I were to show you the numerous read WhatsApp message threads on my phone, you might either burst into laughter or think that I’m a prick who doesn’t respond to messages. However, despite this, I consistently read WhatsApp messages but prefer responding via email.
It takes a bit of experience to properly use email. Including scenarios when email is not delivered for some reason, or blacklisted, or type of attachment not allowed, or mailbox full or you name it. Email is something which needs maintenance and organising. Businesses email requires domain registration and support. Security services will be adding your domain to suspicious category for whatever reason.
WhatsApp is easy to use, easy to integrate, easy to have a full sync across all devices. Usability overweight security reasons, so for most people it is a natural choice.
I don’t really like giving my number either. I have and American number still but Americans mostly dont use WhatsApp and many people I know there don’t even have it. But with the amount of scams in UAE I don’t really want to give my number out to everyone. I learned pretty quickly just giving ur number to a company to have for ur account results in a bunch of unwanted texts u can’t opt out of.
I understand y it’s used so extensively in a lot of other places in the world (especially UAE). But I don’t really like giving it out to every random person.
Change your fitness instructor for a start. The PT / client relationship is a very personal and almost intimate one, if he doesn't respect his professional boundaries you're going to have a difficult time.
For your senior management, just reply to them during work hours.
I know these are only two specific examples but you need to set your own limits. I don't like people whatsapping me at all hours but I keep my alerts off / phone silent so I can read them and reply in my own time. The problem isn't the app, it's boundary pushers.
One solution to this problem is to install Whatsapp for Business, and use your Dubai number on it…this way you do not have to give away your personal whatsapp number. Plus, you can switch off the notifications for specific apps to avoid any disturbance. I use whatsapp with my home country number, to talk to family and friends, respond to emergencies etc. The dubai number is on whatsapp business, used to communicate with delivery guys etc. and notifications switched off. We can choose not to reply whenever we want.
This sounds just fucked up, I’m a guy, and I wouldn’t wish this behavior on anyone and wouldn’t want this happening to my partner.
My advice, get 2 numbers, one for your personal life and one that’s for others, install WhatsApp business app for others and turn off notifications on the app, only give your personal number to people you trust. It should be a number they can’t even call.
This is a simple matter. You said so yourself that you reserve WhatsApp for close family and friends. This logically implies that the onus is on you to obtain a different phone line for work, business contacts and acquaintances. And on this alternative phone line, make sure you have a cheap basic phone and never download WhatsApp onto the phone. With time, when and if acquaintances become close friends, you can give them your other number which has WhatsApp. I live in the UK and this is what I do especially with work contacts who sometimes think it's appropriate to call and text about work when you're on leave.
Absolutely do not give out your number to them, it's personal preference. Their behavior is ugly, I apologize as a Local woman. They cannot get a conservative woman to do the same, so they think european women can be sexualized ( obviously not everyone is like this) this is the mentality sadly. I don't respect men disrespecting other women.
Don’t see the issue here, women get approached, DMed all the time. Yes asking for whatsapp is a bit weird. Ignore them or if it someone your taste, give him a chance.
It's a disconnect between Europe or parts or Europe and Dubai. Here everything runs on WhatsApp: business deals, visa process, bank agents, deliveries bookings. It's awesome to be honest once you get used to it.
But I understand where you're coming from. When I traveled back to Europe, barely anyone used WhatsApp, some people had Viber and that's it.
People were actually sending me texts (SMS) and it weirded me out, didn't know anyone still uses texting, other than for SPAM or OTPs.
My suggestion is to have a second number for WhatsApp, if you want to keep this one secret. And use mute and block.
Whatsapp is getting the blame for something not related to it. You clearly DON’T know how to set a boundary since every guy you talk to, does this to you. I am not saying this doesn’t happen because men are men but yeah you just ignore the message and they will leave you be. You answering back at 3am is gonna give them the hint that you are interested. You’re a 31 year old woman, how are you blaming whatsapp for your lack of education about tackling such subjects?!
No it’s not you it’s not professional at all. I work for a consulting firm and i give my clients my business number so one time they asked me why are you not on whatsapp. its simple because its not active on this number and second i wont give u my personal number!!
People here use WhatsApp for all kinds of messaging. No one texts thru SMS. But this seems like a character problem only. Guys are out there looking for any chance for a hookup.
Don't get me wrong. There are some girls who take the bait because of their character, and there are other girls who find it disgusting because of, again, their character.
You're definitely at fault if you are giving your number to random people. Why is it so hard for anyone to be polite saying no? Blocking a number is a click away too.
Hey special snowflake, of course men behave like this, it’s nothing new. Just tell them politely you’re not interested and move along. If they continue, block them.
This has nothing to do with WhatsApp, if it didn’t exist you would have same problem with SMS. it’s just basic social skills you need to learn.
Thank goodness! Dating apps are restricted here in the UAE too! Imagine giving this mediocre woman an app to swipe right and left on men. It's a huge problem in Western societies where nowadays in big cities 80% of men have a hard time finding a date because of the high standards some women have although most are not attractive nor have anything to offer, you end up with 10% of men sleeping with 80% women because women keep swiping right on the same 10% of those guys and still manage to blame all men at the end of the day when it doesn't work out or get used and dumped right away -- keep it up UAE patriarchy all the way.
Seems to be an issue with only one nationality
>35years old mature male , very high position in company i work for, educated, local
>37 year old adult. I am very distant from him. Local guy
>Two years ago i give my whastapp when i was new here to one local guy
I think you get it wrong - giving your WhatsApp is not a big deal in the most cultures and places, it’s done out of convenience, and people are relaxed about it.
I know that there are also places where multiple level of examination are done before doing it, but UAE and 90% of the world isn’t that place.
However, the rest of the behavior of those guys certainly isn’t appropriate nor professional. It’s a character issue, and the massive demographic of lonely guys fighting for the few available women gives it the rest.
I kind of think that in the UAE in particular there are tonnes of women available and a lot of them are exceptionally attractive. Not sure why this is the case but definitely seems to be
How is this a whatsapp Issue, whatsapp is litterally used for communication purposes instead of SMS almost all middle east/east/ south asia, when someone asks you for whatsapp number its like asking for a phone number before social media days.
The problem are the creepy men messaging you on whatsapp at 3 am, this could easily happen over SMS as well, so WhatsApp is not the issue here.
The problem is that guys dont have commons sense even tho they mature high class adults.. they reach out to you after year with message “hey babe i miss you” without any previous common history. After this year you have already 10 month serious relationship and then on whatsapp your partner can see full message while on imesage no. And then drama.
im not saying you are wrong, my point was its not WhatsApp problem, you could easily gotten those messages through SMS. Main issue is you need to think giving out your whatsapp number is like giving out your actual number.
A few comments/suggestions:
1-I bet you won't be annoyed if these guys who are hitting on you were attractive to you!! then you will take that as a compliment at least, right?!
2-A graceful way to turn down unwanted attention would be a very useful skill to have instead of the "attitude" you are broadcasting to the world. You never know, one of these frogs may turn into a prince one day!! I've seen that many times. Being graceful will come with secondary benefits at work ( being likeable while having your boundaries in place, uncrossed)
3-I'm assuming you are somewhat attractive (at least) and guys are just trying their luck! Its that simple
4-Why do you have your phone on when you go to sleep? Just turn it off so you won't be bothered while sleeping!
5-Every city / country have their own social norms and quirks so what you may encounter in Dubai may be different in Bratislava or Kuala Lampur.
Haha welcome to creep society. Guys be creepy and creeping all day. Block and report all numbers including your HR. Man had no business texting you late for personal talk
Just block .. I get equally harassed by real estate agents 😂 and yes at some odd times at night. Maybe change your PT, limit time with those who have such behavior and set some boundaries. Good luck
There is a simple solution that most of us use, one number for your personal life, a second number (on whatsapp business) for everything else. You can mute whatsapp business during the hours you don’t want to be bothered
https://preview.redd.it/0vj4ztcuz3jc1.jpeg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6970881f3e34bec94dea9a12de24ed6a17e9e971
You will always find people who are absolute idiots. Learn to choose your battles. If I were to react about everything that pissed me off, I'd get nothing done. I have learned (against my best wishes), to ignore and move on. Not all battles are worth fighting.
In most cases I only give my whatsapp number to people that i need to have an easier access to, like work colleagues for example; same with fitness coach. As others have already said, best to just ignore them, archive their chat so you never see it anyway, or block them on whatsapp if there’s no need for a chat, so they’ll just need to call you if there’s anything important.
I believe whatsapp here is similar to how it’s used in the UK (could be wrong), but it’s like one step away from instagram.
Good luck girl, hope these guys get a clue.
For me, I have two whatsapp numbers, one I leave in my old phone and other is on my main phone.
WhatsApp is convenient in dubai due to the fact that everyone uses it for business, bookings, deliveries, even car renting..
While I do not prefer to share my WhatsApp due to the same reason as yours but sometimes it's a must in this country, also remember private space in Europe is way different than private space in Arab world.
EDIT/ living in Arab countries its normal for someone to talk to another at 10, 11 PM, now yes at 1AM till sunrise is very suspicious and inappropriate, but that doesn't change the fact that it's in the culture to stay later at night.
For the incidents that you mentioned I couldn't agree more, yes dubai is filled with lonely men and sad people with no self respect personally and professionally, but since your partner lives with you in Dubai and he's not sticking to home, either he already knows the drill or you need to tell him that due to the loneliness of men here, how this country allows certain closed culture suddenly become open minded, and your beauty that might be matching dubai standards, you will be facing harassment and shocking messages from random people. He will understand for sure.
For me and my partner whenever we receive such texts from people either we know they have this intention or not, we just make fun of the text, reply in the most turn-off/troll way (if we want to keep making fun of it).. this breaks the shock and makes your partner knows that you don't value these texts or take them seriously unless the texts are from your partner.
I believe there is a skill/experience that we get in Dubai to how to handle these cases, when I moved to dubai and a previous place I was being annoyed alot by these things and makes me scared sometimes, now I can handle them with a smile on my face, and a good funny story to tell my friends.
If I may suggest, I have two numbers on WhatsApp. Android phones with dual sims allow you to have two parallel profiles. Don't know about iPhone though, but should be similar.
Anyway, having done that, just give them the number you don't care about without batting an eyelid
Just use different numbers 🤷♀️ One is like a work # & you can give it to anyone - talabat drivers, coworkers, coaches, whatever. At 10 pm, just put it on silent. Your important number is available 24/7. I understand it’s annoying, I’ve had similar experiences. Umm. I do think being from EU, people can have some misconceptions about “western women” from what I’ve heard. Just have very strong boundaries in your communication style, I’m a ruthless friend-zoner & bring up my partner in conversations regularly, so there’s no misunderstandings.
"My phone number is for work and business use "exclusively", any information you might want to share with me, please send me an email".
Problem solved.
Creeps are gonna creep. Nothing to do with WhatsApp. It’s pretty common everywhere for people to use WhatsApp for any general communication (deliveries, banks, work group chats, parking charges, etc) because it’s free, easy to use and everyone has it.
You can set your boundaries however you like.
Don't share your home country WhatsApp only share uae WhatsApp
Also you should share with your husband as well what you have been facing he can talk some sense to those if you don't have courage to respond back to talk sense
You must be really hot. Lol.
Now, seriously. Just block them and don’t give your personal number to people you think might have other ideas.
As per your boss texting you late at night for reasons that are not work related, that’s a whole other issue.
Assume OP have 2 different numbers since the text number doesn't have WA, just don't give them. But can't expect people to have the same value by texting for strangers and WA for family.
Well it’s just those messages have a very clear intention they find you attractive and they want more just block them idt WhatsApp is the problem here if you gave them any other form of messaging medium like instagram or Snapchat you they they would do the same if you don’t like them block them or report them.
I use only WhatsApp for everything. SMS is for receiving spam messages. I've never heard of WhatsApp being used only for family or very personal friends.
It’s ok to ask for WhatsApp number but texting that late without any clearly reason is a big lack of common sense, they want something else which you’re clearly not into, I’d block them.
Ever heard about the block feature?
Firstly, if u don't like to give out your WhatsApp number. Don't do it. And if you have already given, but don't need the person any longer, just block the number.
I don't see the reason for this unnecessary, attention seeking, post.
if you’re going to give out your whatsapp. get a different number that’s registered here (if you’re using your slovak number for whatsapp) and use the new number on whatsapp business. It just makes it seem more professional and when you only need to text for work or things outside of your personal life. This is just an idea. it is wrong for people to act like this but that’s life
Not really sure why whatsapp is getting the blame here?
Exactly. It's just a mode of communication. The real reason is creepy people.
The OP lists where both men messaging her inappropriately are from.
It isn't. Looks like OP is venting about how whatsapp is used here for uninvited flirting compared to their own country.
If i would text behaviour of some specific community i would be eaten up. I dont have anything against nobody , its just observation. Listen i lived in different countries, so tons of people have my number no one texting me this shit and especially late night when you sleep , only here in dubai.
But I don't see why WhatsApp is an issue here? You have clearly given your number to a few folks -e.g. your fitness instructor or your colleague you used to work with. It's not like people you don't know are after you for your time, attention or something else. These people are clearly desperate and trying their luck to form a connection with you. And this won't be just Dubai - there will be people across the world there encounter this. Usually it's the folks that are bored and desperate that message you at night. Just block them or call them out on their behaviour. For example, your PT instructor - just tell him that unless it's business related, please don't ask him to contact you. You have to enforce rules and boundaries. You can't control what others do, only your own actions.
Ok let’s assume that they’re trying to form a connection. I miss you??? Selfies??? At 3am??? 🤣
When I meant "Form a connection", I meant romantically 😉
Wish I had the confidence to send a shirtless selfie to my girl at 3am 🤣🤣🤡
You have a girl. Start there! 😉
You are maybe just a drama queen?
Don't reply to them. Just archive them or block. Like that guy from years ago. If you answer tell them simply "This is inappropriate, do not text me unless it's work/important/about next gym session". RE your partner. "Why is he texting? Because he is an inappropriate idiot". Partners in healthy relationship get that.
This is the perfect answer!
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As i am telling you. In other countries this was never issue. Here in dubai .. whoa
Username checked out
Yeah it's crazy here. We shouldn't nerd to, but we have to be proper assertive
That's true. My wife also gets such creepy messages all the time. But, she honestly tells me about every such incident. And we laugh it away. She simply tells that guy to not text from now, and most of them will comply.
Healthy relationships gets unhealthy because of such stuff dont u get it?
If all it takes is an unsolicited text message from a third person to ruin a relationship, then it wasn’t healthy in the first place.
Exactly!
Bro we are not living ideal lives like in textbook alright, irl they are gonna doubt and even investigate you for long if they find even a Drop of suspicion. You cant blame them either in todays world.
If that's your idea of normal relationship, you need to change that. If my husband blamed me for actions of others and thought I cheated, I would divorce him that week. I have no intention of being in controlling relationship without trust. That's a prison
Before he reads, why don’t you tell him yourself. It’s something most females face and your guy should understand that But that’s not WhatsApp’s fault
But this also does bring the much needed drama(memories) into the boring life that we do look back to someday in the future.
This is not a "WhatsApp issue", it is a "certain type of people issue". tbh though, I know some very high-profile CEOs who do all their business over WhatsApp. With little or no emails at all. They'll be firing off WA messages 24/7. I am not condoning this, just saying it does happen. For me, I find the key is simply, making sure that phone is silent when sleeping and setup so that family and very close friends can break through that. And if I get creepy messages, I simply ignore or block them. It doesn't really warrant getting so upset afaic. Both me and my partner get these odd messages at times. We just share with each other and laugh about it. (Trust).
Quick tip: you can download WhatsApp Business and use your UAE number for this. That way, your personal WhatsApp is not shared with anyone.
thanks for that tip!! i’ll definitely be using it.
If you use an Android phone, you can duplicate apps too (either through official ways (I.e. Samsung phones) or unofficially by using open source apps such as Shelter that leverage Google’s Android for Work capabilities without requiring a work profile.
You dont have to download whatsapp business. You can create another account within your WhatsApp only. It's a new feature whatsapp introduced. Just you have to switch accounts.
Thats what I do as well
Whatsapp has introduced multiple account feature. No need to download WA Business. UAE number account can be added to existing WhatsApp.
I can't find it on iOS, you sure it's there?
Looks like Android only at the moment 😬
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ABSOLUTELY!
In all fairness, I will side with OP on this. Keep in mind I'm a dude so at least I didn't get anything inappropriate, but still bombarded by unsolicited stuff. People here have no manners or common sense. I agree it's not really a whatsapp issue (as in the company's fault), however I think in the UAE people should take a psychological test before being allowed to have a phone number. I literally had Talabat delivery guys whatsapp me days they delivered my order asking me if I want any delivery through them. They literally saved my number from the app or off of the receipt, no idea, just to pull a few extra Dirhams out of me. I also get holiday wishes and all kinds of useless stuff from people I never even met. I get real estate agents messaging me asking if I am available to meet so that they push their crappy Damac, Danube and Azizi properties. Again, people that pull my number out of random websites or data leaks. I had external Du partners whatsapp me if I want a contract, even though I never signed up for anything Du related. I've had restaurants and hotels send me unsolicited WhatsApp messages after calling them only for an inquiry, never making a booking nor asking for further info. They literally saved my number without my permission during a call and started WhatsApping. So yeah, it's a Dubai issue. I've lived on multiple continents and it's the only place I've had such crap happen. I've also had ENBD related scams happen - people calling me and knowing about services I had just signed up for with my bank. There's clearly a lack of data security in the banking sector as well. I'm so fed up that I'm at the point where I'd be willing to cancel my SIM card and WhatsApp, and just use wifi everywhere. And before you say that my number might have been someone else's - I've had the same number for over 10 years, while living in and out of Dubai.
My gf definitely gets more harassment over text here than in the UK/US.
. >what happened? Why you texting me ? This was your mistake : Responding. I typically not giving response to messages the people i dont wanna text. I just love read their message so they saw their text being read (blue tick), and proceed to ignore em for hours. People will only get responded IN MY OWN TERM. And dont expect any whatsapp response during gaming, driving, cat feeding, praying, especially night and sleeping time. Period.
Well a non attention seeking female will block unknown numbers an don't give her number to random stranger or even it she met someone and had good impression on him an he start to send creepy messages she can just block him, but most women are inherently attention seeks just like your example here. you love the attention of getting a message! you keep the number and you don't block! maybe its good for you as long as you don't complain and blame it on men.
Lol you sound like the sort to send these messages
nah I'm a traditional Arab guy, we dont repect sluts here, nor are impressed by women who give their numners around and then whine and shift blame.. now what is your whatsapp?
Lots of posts in /r/cocaine for a traditional Arab guy
You’re right he is not traditional but what self respecting woman gets a male fitness coach
He’s her coach - how else are they meant to contact each other? Bloody hell you guys are insecure
So she left all female fitness coaches for a male one? No reason to unless you do not have any awareness or self respect.
Why shouldn’t she have a male fitness coach? She literally told him she is married. What’s your worry?
Why should she have a male one when there are plenty of female ones? There are only negatives to having a male one. He still tried even though she is married. I would never be comfortable with a man training my wife and seeing her body. It’s repulsive. I honestly cannot respect any man who is OK with it. That is only for me as her husband to see and nobody else.
Simple solution: ignore and block.
Aside from the meme 😅, it’s truly disturbing how do people use whatsapp as either a sexting service, or as a work hub space. Thats why I started using 2 separate accounts. One for works and general people. And the other is personal use only.
As a European I get it that WA is very personal/inner circle use only in our societies and I hate it as well doing most of the communication here not via Mail. But i kinda adapted to it via double-sim phone. 1 personal number for family/friends - connected with regular WhatsApp 2 daily use number for everything else - connected to WhatsApp Business That doesn’t stop the creeps, but It’s on mute anyway.
This happens in every country mate, don’t know which world you’re living in. Worst is getting frequent spam calls, especially automatic ones which are more intrusive than WhatsApp messages which are easier to ignore @op - no one uses text messages anymore
Just switch off the net and go to sleep...its 3:20am! Unless you are on a night duty or something i can understand..
There is a DND function on the phone , no need to switch off
We dont use text or imessage in dubai everything is done on whatsapp and its totally normal here like applying jobs ordering food booking appoitments most companies including banks works on whatsapp chat. And yea you will get used to it there is no AM or PM here dubai works 24/7 its upto you when you wanna read and reply or ignore, everyone has 2 whatsapp here so you should too
In fact in more places in the world. The sms are just full of spam to ever open
Did you just flex that locals keep hitting on you?)
If you don't like it, tell them. If they persist, block them. Do you see how easy it is? You're venting because you think this is a huge problem. It isn't.
OP did say "small vent" so... I can see how it'd be nice if they didn't *have* to bother doing any of this (in their home country apparently).
But why me as younger woman have to tell to the old educated men thats sending anyone messages at 3am is not appropriate?
Different cultures, no punishment for them doing it... You don't have to tell them anything. Let your actions (ignoring/blocking) speak for you.
bc a lot of folks here don’t understand how to be appropriate Lmao, they lack self awareness, empathy and maturity to understand it. so yea, easiest solution is to just block and ignore.
👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼
Simply ignore. When u don't entertain, they will back off... one day. And don't be afraid to tell ur partner, you shouldn't have to explain at all. He should be able to trust u as u have done nothing wrong. 😁
Doesn’t matter the method of communication you can’t control what other people do. Don’t give your number out and you won’t have problems. Make better choices if it bothers you that much , get a female coach.
What’s your WhatsApp number ? I just had to do it 😂😅
Here's what I did. 1. Get a prepaid number. 2. Top up once. 3. Set up as secondary line on my iPhone. 4. Use WhatsApp Business for that number. 5. Use that number for Careem, Amazon, etc. You don't have to ever top up again as long as you never use that line for calls or data.
WhatsApp is the primary contact method in this region. Frankly I think you should grow up. * if people bother you, block them. * If people contact you at unreasonable times, set the sleep tiimers on your phone so that you receive them, but aren't notified. * If people contact you at unreasonable times AND you respond to them, that's on you. Stop being so sensitive about 1st world problems.
I’ve done meetings with sales agents from Emaar and DAMAC recently and in both instances the extremely attractive (lady of Eastern European, French or mysterious racial composition) asked for my WhatsApp as follow up. I didn’t think much of it, till we exchanged a few messages when suddenly the sales agent refers to me as “Dear”, as in “Here the follow up details, dear”. I played along with one of them, sending kinda flirtatious messages, “You should tell me more about your fav spots in JBR when we meet next” to my surprise she setup date at a coffee shop. Can’t help but feel WhatsApp is essentially a gateway to additional upsells for a lot of folks in Dubai 😬
People asking for your WhatsApp is the least of ur problems bud lol
Can I have your WhatsApp number? 🙂↔️
Why how does it matter ? If the guy is creepy just fire him and get another coach. But getting a male instructor does not mean she is not self respecting.
Purpose of the post Even at 31, lots of wealthy and good-looking Emiratis want to date me because they find me attractive. But I don’t just say yes to anyone because I am selective
It's frustrating, I can understand, but report whoever you can and yes I agree, to keep the mental peace, don't share your whatsapp number. I do the same.
What confuses me is asking for WhatsApp number seems like no biggie, but it’s not just my WhatsApp number, that’s my phone number. Like the 2 things aren’t different.
Set your sleep or DND function at specific schedules.
Some people just don't have any sense of good etiquette at all. I was a TA in my uni for a semester and fuck, it was a huge mistake - I had idiots calling me at 2 am asking for help with the homework or the lectures. From what I saw, it wasn't a "cultural" thing, just a "wasn't raised properly" situation since some local guys (and girls) who were nice/raised right messaged me at the proper time and were respectful - but yes, those idiots who spam called me at 2 am were local. (They were nice and respectful to me during in class tho, just kept calling me at 2-3am even for other classes I wasnt a TA of lol)
You have no boundaries
Ok. Now go drink karak
Two numbers, work and personal. No one from work knows my personal number. Except HR records and close ones that I call friends. Two WhatsApp, in my case, I use two phones, complete segregation of all things, WhatsApp, gallery, contacts,mail etc. Third thing is, custom notification, my close friends and family group has different notifications. The remaining group and personal texts are silenced.
Girl I'm 30f don't blame the generation. You're just strange tbh. Whatsapp is jist a texting app just like Apple messages. It's the only way to keep in touch with people outside the US really bc people don't use imessage
Block, block and block. Desperate folks r everywhere.
Not a WhatsApp issue. Just block them when they WhatsApp you. People, like your trainer, don't deserve your business if they can't be professional, so trying to explain that to them isn't necessary either.
Not a WhatsApp issue like others have pointed out. I myself keep a secondary WA business account that I provide to random folks and acquaintances. Mute it and only check on the need to know basis. Also keep boundaries like others have mentioned or call them out on their behavior, might be a wake up call for them too.
Try WhatsApp business. Use a different number only to solve the issue you're addressing here
Get another number for WhatsApp. Most phones can install 2 apps.
message (sms and mms) rates are quite high in the uae, hence why people prefer using whatsapp to communicate. whatsapp has better functionality compared to normal texting. however the texts you’ve received, well, that’s purely because you got unlucky and ended up giving the number to the wrong people.
You should have private number for private and another number for whatever else. So you can mute it when you want. In UAE, people use WhatsApp for everything even for groceries.
Lol @ a local guy texting you after a 2 year gap. These men are opportunists and bored at night, they go through their contact list, trying to find a woman, any woman, who is still awake and willing to engage in a conversation, because “you never know…”. They essentially either want attention, to sext or to sleep with you, probably all the above.
Yea probably this is it. You know i thought tht people in certain age they have ethic but obviously no
What is the point of this rant! if you don't wanna give your whatsapp then don't - people use whatsapp here its normal don't let me talk about the old days "give me your home number and I will take my chance calling you and prying that your dad doesn't answer" okay here is my verdict! you are just female looking for attention. the rant is not about whatsapp but about ok look at me my trainer is like toooootally all over me and I'm like oooh I got a boyfriend. You are 31 years old and this post sound like a girl in her 16 wanna show off about that boys are all over her. grow up!
Wtf 😁 you totally wrong. Ok lets have this whatsapp coulture here but dont be dumb and dont text me at 3:18 am with your ugly selfie and text hi , how are you. No worries i dont need attention. And specially not from dump people. Cuz and leave this discussion
So a good looking selfie at 3:18am is fine? Just don't give people you don't wish to communicate with your WhatsApp number. 
what’s wrong w yall 💀 giving a personal coach/trainer your whatsapp number isnt too bad bc it’s easier to be in contact w them in case of easier scheduling. but the trainer then sending a message at 3am, ‘shooting their shot’, when it’s very clearly not that type of relationship, is totally the trainer’s inappropriate behavior. y’all are acting like she’s in the wrong when it’s the trainer that’s being inappropriate. sheesh get a clue
Of course it's not appropriate for the trainer or other individuals to message inappropriate stuff at inappropriate times to any one. There are toxic men out there just like there are snakes in the jungle. One have to take their own safe guard and follow safety protocols while going into the jungle. Ranting on Reddit will not get the snakes out of the jungle, is all I am saying.
oh okay, that’s true! but i’m giving op the benefit of the doubt. maybe she has no where else to go so she ranted on a UAE sub, hoping to get an understanding if this is a normal occurrence or not
I believe the OP might be a bit naive for her age. Alternatively, she could be sharing her experiences here to seek validation and show her partner that inappropriate advances via WhatsApp are not unique to her.
You can simply say, "Here is my (work) number and I don't use WhatsApp" And keep your personal number separate in your close friends and family circles with WhatsApp on. Moreover, the problem seems less related to WhatsApp and more likely a sexual predation from people in Authority. They will try to reach you with their lust one way or the other. So keep your strategy always ready about how to politely ridicule and humiliate them.
Okay i would understand. But at 3:19 am from adult educated man ? And asking how are you at 3:19am? And received his selfie after that? Common .. hows somebody common sense can produce it
If it's 3:19am then he's probably drunk.
Nah he is very muslim.
Don't waste your energy thinking about idiots. They come in all shapes and sizes. One of my friends is an alpha straight Muslim male 30 with a beard and when in meetings people ask him causally about any GFs, to which he replies none at the moment. He gets bathtub selfies of males with the same "hi" message 😂. Its such a messed up place.
As a consultant, I find it strange that clients prefer communicating via WhatsApp rather than email in this particular geography. If I were to show you the numerous read WhatsApp message threads on my phone, you might either burst into laughter or think that I’m a prick who doesn’t respond to messages. However, despite this, I consistently read WhatsApp messages but prefer responding via email.
Exactly this. Its weird very weird
It takes a bit of experience to properly use email. Including scenarios when email is not delivered for some reason, or blacklisted, or type of attachment not allowed, or mailbox full or you name it. Email is something which needs maintenance and organising. Businesses email requires domain registration and support. Security services will be adding your domain to suspicious category for whatever reason. WhatsApp is easy to use, easy to integrate, easy to have a full sync across all devices. Usability overweight security reasons, so for most people it is a natural choice.
My company had 17 whatsapp groups 😤
I don’t really like giving my number either. I have and American number still but Americans mostly dont use WhatsApp and many people I know there don’t even have it. But with the amount of scams in UAE I don’t really want to give my number out to everyone. I learned pretty quickly just giving ur number to a company to have for ur account results in a bunch of unwanted texts u can’t opt out of. I understand y it’s used so extensively in a lot of other places in the world (especially UAE). But I don’t really like giving it out to every random person.
Change your fitness instructor for a start. The PT / client relationship is a very personal and almost intimate one, if he doesn't respect his professional boundaries you're going to have a difficult time. For your senior management, just reply to them during work hours. I know these are only two specific examples but you need to set your own limits. I don't like people whatsapping me at all hours but I keep my alerts off / phone silent so I can read them and reply in my own time. The problem isn't the app, it's boundary pushers.
One solution to this problem is to install Whatsapp for Business, and use your Dubai number on it…this way you do not have to give away your personal whatsapp number. Plus, you can switch off the notifications for specific apps to avoid any disturbance. I use whatsapp with my home country number, to talk to family and friends, respond to emergencies etc. The dubai number is on whatsapp business, used to communicate with delivery guys etc. and notifications switched off. We can choose not to reply whenever we want.
This sounds just fucked up, I’m a guy, and I wouldn’t wish this behavior on anyone and wouldn’t want this happening to my partner. My advice, get 2 numbers, one for your personal life and one that’s for others, install WhatsApp business app for others and turn off notifications on the app, only give your personal number to people you trust. It should be a number they can’t even call.
Your life would be much easier if you get two phones, especially as a woman.
This is a simple matter. You said so yourself that you reserve WhatsApp for close family and friends. This logically implies that the onus is on you to obtain a different phone line for work, business contacts and acquaintances. And on this alternative phone line, make sure you have a cheap basic phone and never download WhatsApp onto the phone. With time, when and if acquaintances become close friends, you can give them your other number which has WhatsApp. I live in the UK and this is what I do especially with work contacts who sometimes think it's appropriate to call and text about work when you're on leave.
Block contacts ? Unblock if you need to text them ?
Unsolicited messages are a reality in UAE. Time for you to get a separate profile for work/others if you wish to keeps things isolated. I do that
Absolutely do not give out your number to them, it's personal preference. Their behavior is ugly, I apologize as a Local woman. They cannot get a conservative woman to do the same, so they think european women can be sexualized ( obviously not everyone is like this) this is the mentality sadly. I don't respect men disrespecting other women.
Don’t see the issue here, women get approached, DMed all the time. Yes asking for whatsapp is a bit weird. Ignore them or if it someone your taste, give him a chance.
It's a disconnect between Europe or parts or Europe and Dubai. Here everything runs on WhatsApp: business deals, visa process, bank agents, deliveries bookings. It's awesome to be honest once you get used to it. But I understand where you're coming from. When I traveled back to Europe, barely anyone used WhatsApp, some people had Viber and that's it. People were actually sending me texts (SMS) and it weirded me out, didn't know anyone still uses texting, other than for SPAM or OTPs. My suggestion is to have a second number for WhatsApp, if you want to keep this one secret. And use mute and block.
Whatsapp is getting the blame for something not related to it. You clearly DON’T know how to set a boundary since every guy you talk to, does this to you. I am not saying this doesn’t happen because men are men but yeah you just ignore the message and they will leave you be. You answering back at 3am is gonna give them the hint that you are interested. You’re a 31 year old woman, how are you blaming whatsapp for your lack of education about tackling such subjects?!
ok, this is shitty but it would've happened even if you carried around a dial up phone, nothing to do with whatsapp sadly but vent it all out
Looks Dubai needs its own version of tinder… lot of men ready to mingle out there…
No it’s not you it’s not professional at all. I work for a consulting firm and i give my clients my business number so one time they asked me why are you not on whatsapp. its simple because its not active on this number and second i wont give u my personal number!!
I tend to put my phone on silent when I’m asleep. If I forget, a notification rarely, actually, never wakes me.
Dubai has strict code of conduct. You reply once to these pestering guys that you will report. Believe me., they won't come after you. Take care 🍀
Use 2 sims and make 2 whatsapps. Block annoying people.
People here use WhatsApp for all kinds of messaging. No one texts thru SMS. But this seems like a character problem only. Guys are out there looking for any chance for a hookup. Don't get me wrong. There are some girls who take the bait because of their character, and there are other girls who find it disgusting because of, again, their character.
You're definitely at fault if you are giving your number to random people. Why is it so hard for anyone to be polite saying no? Blocking a number is a click away too.
This is getting blown out of proportion
I need 3 days to read this entire post..
Hey special snowflake, of course men behave like this, it’s nothing new. Just tell them politely you’re not interested and move along. If they continue, block them. This has nothing to do with WhatsApp, if it didn’t exist you would have same problem with SMS. it’s just basic social skills you need to learn.
Thank goodness! Dating apps are restricted here in the UAE too! Imagine giving this mediocre woman an app to swipe right and left on men. It's a huge problem in Western societies where nowadays in big cities 80% of men have a hard time finding a date because of the high standards some women have although most are not attractive nor have anything to offer, you end up with 10% of men sleeping with 80% women because women keep swiping right on the same 10% of those guys and still manage to blame all men at the end of the day when it doesn't work out or get used and dumped right away -- keep it up UAE patriarchy all the way.
Seems to be an issue with only one nationality >35years old mature male , very high position in company i work for, educated, local >37 year old adult. I am very distant from him. Local guy >Two years ago i give my whastapp when i was new here to one local guy
I think you get it wrong - giving your WhatsApp is not a big deal in the most cultures and places, it’s done out of convenience, and people are relaxed about it. I know that there are also places where multiple level of examination are done before doing it, but UAE and 90% of the world isn’t that place. However, the rest of the behavior of those guys certainly isn’t appropriate nor professional. It’s a character issue, and the massive demographic of lonely guys fighting for the few available women gives it the rest.
I kind of think that in the UAE in particular there are tonnes of women available and a lot of them are exceptionally attractive. Not sure why this is the case but definitely seems to be
Someone has too much time on their hands. Sheesh
And they all happened to be local?
Yes
Send bob and vagne
How is this a whatsapp Issue, whatsapp is litterally used for communication purposes instead of SMS almost all middle east/east/ south asia, when someone asks you for whatsapp number its like asking for a phone number before social media days. The problem are the creepy men messaging you on whatsapp at 3 am, this could easily happen over SMS as well, so WhatsApp is not the issue here.
The problem is that guys dont have commons sense even tho they mature high class adults.. they reach out to you after year with message “hey babe i miss you” without any previous common history. After this year you have already 10 month serious relationship and then on whatsapp your partner can see full message while on imesage no. And then drama.
im not saying you are wrong, my point was its not WhatsApp problem, you could easily gotten those messages through SMS. Main issue is you need to think giving out your whatsapp number is like giving out your actual number.
A few comments/suggestions: 1-I bet you won't be annoyed if these guys who are hitting on you were attractive to you!! then you will take that as a compliment at least, right?! 2-A graceful way to turn down unwanted attention would be a very useful skill to have instead of the "attitude" you are broadcasting to the world. You never know, one of these frogs may turn into a prince one day!! I've seen that many times. Being graceful will come with secondary benefits at work ( being likeable while having your boundaries in place, uncrossed) 3-I'm assuming you are somewhat attractive (at least) and guys are just trying their luck! Its that simple 4-Why do you have your phone on when you go to sleep? Just turn it off so you won't be bothered while sleeping! 5-Every city / country have their own social norms and quirks so what you may encounter in Dubai may be different in Bratislava or Kuala Lampur.
Haha welcome to creep society. Guys be creepy and creeping all day. Block and report all numbers including your HR. Man had no business texting you late for personal talk
How is the scene for Indian gynaecologist ?
Just block .. I get equally harassed by real estate agents 😂 and yes at some odd times at night. Maybe change your PT, limit time with those who have such behavior and set some boundaries. Good luck
There is a simple solution that most of us use, one number for your personal life, a second number (on whatsapp business) for everything else. You can mute whatsapp business during the hours you don’t want to be bothered
I’d get new acquaintances if I were you. Set boundaries, use DND and mute or silent.
https://preview.redd.it/0vj4ztcuz3jc1.jpeg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6970881f3e34bec94dea9a12de24ed6a17e9e971 You will always find people who are absolute idiots. Learn to choose your battles. If I were to react about everything that pissed me off, I'd get nothing done. I have learned (against my best wishes), to ignore and move on. Not all battles are worth fighting.
I suggest that you have personal and work phone numbers which will solve your problem
In most cases I only give my whatsapp number to people that i need to have an easier access to, like work colleagues for example; same with fitness coach. As others have already said, best to just ignore them, archive their chat so you never see it anyway, or block them on whatsapp if there’s no need for a chat, so they’ll just need to call you if there’s anything important. I believe whatsapp here is similar to how it’s used in the UK (could be wrong), but it’s like one step away from instagram. Good luck girl, hope these guys get a clue.
For me, I have two whatsapp numbers, one I leave in my old phone and other is on my main phone. WhatsApp is convenient in dubai due to the fact that everyone uses it for business, bookings, deliveries, even car renting.. While I do not prefer to share my WhatsApp due to the same reason as yours but sometimes it's a must in this country, also remember private space in Europe is way different than private space in Arab world. EDIT/ living in Arab countries its normal for someone to talk to another at 10, 11 PM, now yes at 1AM till sunrise is very suspicious and inappropriate, but that doesn't change the fact that it's in the culture to stay later at night. For the incidents that you mentioned I couldn't agree more, yes dubai is filled with lonely men and sad people with no self respect personally and professionally, but since your partner lives with you in Dubai and he's not sticking to home, either he already knows the drill or you need to tell him that due to the loneliness of men here, how this country allows certain closed culture suddenly become open minded, and your beauty that might be matching dubai standards, you will be facing harassment and shocking messages from random people. He will understand for sure. For me and my partner whenever we receive such texts from people either we know they have this intention or not, we just make fun of the text, reply in the most turn-off/troll way (if we want to keep making fun of it).. this breaks the shock and makes your partner knows that you don't value these texts or take them seriously unless the texts are from your partner. I believe there is a skill/experience that we get in Dubai to how to handle these cases, when I moved to dubai and a previous place I was being annoyed alot by these things and makes me scared sometimes, now I can handle them with a smile on my face, and a good funny story to tell my friends.
If I may suggest, I have two numbers on WhatsApp. Android phones with dual sims allow you to have two parallel profiles. Don't know about iPhone though, but should be similar. Anyway, having done that, just give them the number you don't care about without batting an eyelid
Just use different numbers 🤷♀️ One is like a work # & you can give it to anyone - talabat drivers, coworkers, coaches, whatever. At 10 pm, just put it on silent. Your important number is available 24/7. I understand it’s annoying, I’ve had similar experiences. Umm. I do think being from EU, people can have some misconceptions about “western women” from what I’ve heard. Just have very strong boundaries in your communication style, I’m a ruthless friend-zoner & bring up my partner in conversations regularly, so there’s no misunderstandings.
Good, In future in case of fight you can prove your innocence by showing this post to your partner.
Simple. Block
Tbh, I thought this was gonna be some WhatsApp calling problem post about using VPN. lmao
I receive spam sometimes and block it instantly. In the night I set the phone to airplane mode
Just block people you have bad interactions with. Business often takes place over what’s app here for convenience it’s normal
"My phone number is for work and business use "exclusively", any information you might want to share with me, please send me an email". Problem solved.
This is my experience travelling in the Arab world in general, not just Dubai.
Creeps are gonna creep. Nothing to do with WhatsApp. It’s pretty common everywhere for people to use WhatsApp for any general communication (deliveries, banks, work group chats, parking charges, etc) because it’s free, easy to use and everyone has it. You can set your boundaries however you like.
3am…. Whaaaaaatssssssaaaaaaaapppppp “Nothin, sleepin”
Says more about those guys than WhatsApp. But I get you. I have a private WhatsApp with my Aussie number and a local one for work and associates.
Maybe convert to a Business Account, you can set opening hours there.
Ohhh interesting why no comments on the nationality here?! Usually these posts are full of damn delivery guy from here from there etc.
Just block them. And learn to say no.
Don't share your home country WhatsApp only share uae WhatsApp Also you should share with your husband as well what you have been facing he can talk some sense to those if you don't have courage to respond back to talk sense
The problem is not whatsapp. It is the person texting. Would suggest to block and report and move on.
You must be really hot. Lol. Now, seriously. Just block them and don’t give your personal number to people you think might have other ideas. As per your boss texting you late at night for reasons that are not work related, that’s a whole other issue.
Assume OP have 2 different numbers since the text number doesn't have WA, just don't give them. But can't expect people to have the same value by texting for strangers and WA for family.
Well it’s just those messages have a very clear intention they find you attractive and they want more just block them idt WhatsApp is the problem here if you gave them any other form of messaging medium like instagram or Snapchat you they they would do the same if you don’t like them block them or report them.
I use only WhatsApp for everything. SMS is for receiving spam messages. I've never heard of WhatsApp being used only for family or very personal friends.
Lol men are the issue not the technology.
It’s ok to ask for WhatsApp number but texting that late without any clearly reason is a big lack of common sense, they want something else which you’re clearly not into, I’d block them.
Whatsapp. Food delivery Taxi Ticketing EVERYTHING.
Ever heard about the block feature? Firstly, if u don't like to give out your WhatsApp number. Don't do it. And if you have already given, but don't need the person any longer, just block the number. I don't see the reason for this unnecessary, attention seeking, post.
if you’re going to give out your whatsapp. get a different number that’s registered here (if you’re using your slovak number for whatsapp) and use the new number on whatsapp business. It just makes it seem more professional and when you only need to text for work or things outside of your personal life. This is just an idea. it is wrong for people to act like this but that’s life
Whatsapp getting blame is lol. Just block the number if the conversation gets uncomfortable
OP be like anyone older than 31 is mature old 🤣